1988 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 Injection from UK and Ireland

Summary:

ArguablyThe Best Hothatch ever

Faults:

The seats on the older models especially the drivers side suffers from bad bolster ware down the left side so it need attention. Exhaust was blowing at 129000 miles and was replaced with a magnex system which second hand cost less than a new system from a dealer. Faulty earth on the fuel pump led to starting difficulties along with worn CV gaiters for the MOT. Rear lights needed rewired for MOT and reverse lights have become intermittent. Electrics do tend to become troublesome on higher mileage cars. Engine is solid though, especially if regularly changed with synthetic oil, I use Castrol Magnatec and change every 5k. Especially if you drive them hard. Front tyres ware quicker than the rear so change them over every 3 months to have an even ware distribution..

General Comments:

This is the second 205 I have owned and generally speaking its small frustrating things that are at fault and not major work such as the cylinder head etc. The car can be expensive to work on. For example to get to the starter you have to remove the Inlet Manifold. The clutch can be an expensive part to replace if going to a garage, mainly for labour. The Car handles very well, like a go-cart, but beware in the the wet as the 1.9 with rear disc brakes can be difficult to control at speed getting thrown into corners. My car is a 1988 model 1.9. This was intentional as I didn't want a model after 92 as they have catalytic converters that reduce the car by 10 brake which caused a reduction by 1 second on the 0 -60 time. Do not buy a car that is burning or leaking oil especially on a 205. Burning oil means worn oil or piston rings that really means your engine is going to the big party in the sky. Expensive to get fixed unless you can do it yourself. If this happens uprate the engine to a GTI6 306 2.0 or the 406 SRI turbo. These are the best modern equivelents. The seats on the 205 are very comfortable and keep you locked in, however the car is French and does suffer from those irritaing rattles. For the money you will pay if you find a good one, you will have the best hothatch ever built, my friends have have Renault 5 Turbos, Corrado VR6s, Mitsubishi Evo 6s, Saxo VTS'S all perhaps faster, but not as much fun or as much value for money as the 205.

24th Jan 2005, 13:31

Hi, good tip, I own a 1.9 Gti and had to take the starter motor out. With some careful movements (a struggle) you can remove and replace the starter motor via the bottom of the car (careful not to damage your radiator mind) but it is possible. Scuffed knuckles is the possible price though.

1988 Peugeot 205 1.6 GTi 1.6i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

As much fun as you can have in a car with your clothes on, and a bargain to boot.

Faults:

Cracked front number plate, due to poor mounting.

Rear washer pump broke, though replacement from Peugeot dealer cost less than Halfords.

Drivers seat was worn on purchase and needed taping up.

Drivers seat worked loose on mountings.

Developed a tendency to stall at low revs, cured by cleaning throttle butterfly.

General Comments:

This car has a deserved reputation as being one of the best hot hatches of the 1980's.

Most of the legends about this car are true; the standard engine is in quite a high state of tune producing more bang per buck than a lot of its rivals. The handling is superb and you do get lift off over-steer. Brilliant fun to get on a four wheel drift, although obviously not on her majesty's high way ;).

The styling is sharp even today, and the interior doesn't look bad and is as comfortable as a favorite old arm chair. The bright red carpets however are not to every ones taste.

The major fly in the ointment with this car is the refinement. There are constant squeaks and rattles from the interior and the switches and dials have a cheap feel. Tick-over and low speeds are notorious for being 'lumpy'. The closer ratio gearbox on the 1.6 whilst great fun makes motorway work a bit of a chore, and has some effect on the miles per gallon.

For the price good ones are going for these days you cannot go far wrong. As with all performance cars be careful buying and make sure you get a good one, especially in this case as they not well enough built to cope with neglect or heavy abuse.